Paris-based media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
called for Abdel Iman's release.

"Imprisoning someone for their journalistic work or posting an
article on the internet is not acceptable under any circumstances,"
RSF said in a letter to Bahraini Information Minister Mohammed
Abdul Ghaffar.

"This incident demonstrates that the November 2002 press law is
in urgent needof reform," it said.

The law states that every person is free to express his/her
opinion "provided it does not undermine the Islamic faith, the
people's unity or the person of the ruler, and does not stir up
divisions or sectarianism." It provides for prison terms ranging
from six months to five years for perceived offenders.